Two Nigerian Citizens Killed in South Africa Amid Rising Anti‑Migrant Sentiment

Sun Sep 06 2026 08:44:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Nigerian foreign ministry condemned the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, amid rising anti‑immigrant protests and calls for tougher control.

Two Nigerian citizens, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, were reportedly killed in Pretoria and eMalahleni on 28 June, sparking diplomatic tension. Nigeria’s foreign ministry accused a police team in Tshwane of using abusive interrogation techniques, while the South African government declined to comment on the deaths. The incidents come amid a surge of anti‑immigrant sentiment, with protests calling for stricter enforcement against foreign nationals and a reported 25,000 repatriated Africans, 700 of them Nigerians. Nigerian officials have threatened to seek compensation and raised concerns about hate speech from South African officials. The fallout highlights rising xenophobia across the continent.

Two Nigerian Citizens Killed in South Africa Amid Rising Anti‑Migrant Sentiment

Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, two Nigerian nationals, were reportedly killed on 28 June: Iroegbu in Pretoria by police officers using alleged brutal interrogation techniques, and Joe outside his shop in the city of eMalahleni.

The Nigerian foreign ministry issued a statement condemning both deaths and insisted the incidents happened amid a sharp rise in anti‑immigrant sentiment in South Africa. It noted that roughly 25,000 citizens from other African countries have been repatriated, with about 700 Nigerians among them, as protests increasingly demand the government curb what protesters call “illegal migration.”

South Africa’s authorities, however, have not yet spoken on the case, and a high‑ranking cabinet minister has rejected claims of needing compensation for Nigerians who left the country, asserting instead that those individuals can sell registered properties on the local market. The minister also controversially referenced drug concerns, prompting Nigeria to label the remarks “unacceptable” and warn of potential hate speech from South African officials.

In a separate statement, Nigeria accused anti‑migrant groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula of inciting violence and hatred towards Africans. The foreign ministry hinted that South Africa’s approach might face regional or international legal action if these trends continue.